Gokul Dhaba (near Chaurasi Khamba)
Makhan-mishri, as claimed in one article
रावल
Raval (Radha's birthplace)
The village across the Yamuna from Gokul where, by tradition, Radha was born.
TempleGokul, Mahavan and BaldeoRadha Rani
The story: Radha appears at Raval
Tradition says that Radha was born at Raval, to King Vrishabhanu and Queen Kirti. One account has her appear on a lotus in a pond; another has her appear in the king's field. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana (Krishna Janma Khanda) tells the story of Radha's birth and her blind-eyed infancy until she first saw Krishna.
When she was still a child the family moved to Barsana, and Raval became the village of memory. Her birthday, Radhashtami, is celebrated here with great joy. The Bhagavatam does not name Radha, so her birthplace stories come from the Puranas and Gaudiya and Pushtimarg tradition.
Where this is told
- Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Krishna Janma Khanda: Radha's birth
- Garga Samhita on Radha
- The Raval birthplace is local tradition
History
- Raval has a Radha Rani temple and an old kadamba tree. Dates and builder were not found in the sources checked. Check locally.
What to see
- Radha Rani temple at Raval
- The old kadamba tree (check locally)
Key festivals
- Aug to Sep: Radhashtami, Radha's birthday
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | Daylight hours. Check locally |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | Daylight hours. Check locally |
| Closed | Check locally |
| Dress code | Modest clothing; shoulders and knees covered. |
| Photos and phones | Not inside any sanctum. Check locally for the rest. |
No reliable published timings were found. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Village lane near the temple.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- No special rule found. Festival days bring diversions. Check locally
Cab drop and walk
Drop: At the temple approach.
Walk: 5 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Gokul, Mahavan and Baldeo guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 10 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 20 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 175 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Morning; Radhashtami if you can bear the crowd.
Crowds: Usually light. Heavier on festival days.
Monkeys: Possible. Keep spectacles, phones and food out of sight.
Comfort
Footwear: Leave shoes at the gate or with your driver.
Toilets: Limited. Use facilities before you arrive.
Accessibility: Uneven ground and steps are likely. Check locally.
Scams to avoid
- Touts who offer a 'special' puja or darshan for a fee
Where to eat nearby
Prasad stalls around the Gokulnath temple
Makhan-mishri, panjiri and khichdi prasad. Unnamed
Anandvan and Pandit Ji Food Corner (Gokul)
Listed for veg thali. Names only
Kheermohan of Mahavan
Named as a Mahavan sweet in one Hindi source. Single mention
This list comes from desk research in published guides and listings. We have not visited these places for this guide. Walk and drive times are rough, and opening hours, prices and onion/garlic policy can change, so check locally before you go.
Common questions
Was Radha born at Raval or Barsana?
Tradition says born at Raval, raised at Barsana.
Check locally
- Timings
- Exact location
- Access
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
Book a cab for Raval (Radha's birthplace)